I was unable to find any photos internally of Montreal Canadiens 2024 seventh round round selection Rasmus Bergqvist; hence the generic draft photo.
But don't let that throw you off of the real reason why you're here. You want to know more about Bergqvist, who isn't talked about at all. With the World Junior's upon us, he is showing his stuff on the Swedish blueline. Patrik Bexell, European Correspondant for Habs Eyes On The Prize, gave his scouting report on Bergqvist, and it seems pretty spot on.
Sweden started their tournament on Thursday morning against Team Slovakia, a game that saw Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin-Pelikka score a hat trick. You read that right, Sandin-Pelikka netted a hat trick in Sweden's tournament opener. The Swedish Hockey system just keeps pumping out talented defenders.
I wrote this about #Habs Rasmus Bergqvist in the WJC preview for Sweden. Pretty spot on if I say so myself: https://t.co/G6zgrtbDHG pic.twitter.com/UYadpxut6J
— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) December 26, 2024
Bexell doesn't talk about Bergqvist in that capacity, because he is viewed as more of a shutdown guy who isn't flashy. He is a great complement to a high offence partner on the blueline, and he plays with a physical edge. What stood out to me is that he said Bergqvist would form a team Sweden roster cornerstone with Sandin-Pelikka at the tournament.
I haven't heard much about the Habs' seventh-round selection, but I have been reading up about him more recently. There is definite time needed to keep maturing and developing, but he may well have a future in the organization. The only issue for him is the Habs' left defence depth, both on the team and in the system.
As a seventh-round pick, Bergqvist likely has a chip on his shoulder; it's great to be drafted, but you want to go as early as possible. I like the stories of the players that are less talked about, because when they make it, it's such a good feeling for the players, and the fans equally. Jake Evans is a former seventh-round selection from the 2014 NHL Draft, and his work ethic stands out every game.
It's going to be a battle to get there, but if he can do it I would love to see Bergqvist make an impact on the team in the future. Obviously, every player from the 2024 draft class won't play for the Canadiens or the NHL at all, but you love to see when they do make it. These character guys are needed and valued in the locker room.
Impression of Sweden-Slovakia game
As expected, Sweden took care of Slovakia pretty easily with a 5-2 win, and on paper that is the way it should have gone. Sandin-Pelikka and Tom Willander (Vancouver Canucks 2023 11th overall selection) power a strong Swedish blueline. Bergqvist, who isn't known for scoring tied the game in the second period, and Sweden never looked back from there; scoring the next three goals.
The Red Wings have themselves quite the defender with Sandin-Pelikka, I am quite envious of them. I think he would be a tremendous addition to the Canadiens prospect group. It would cost an arm and a leg, but he is a fun player to watch, with such high creativity and skill.